"Women are supposed to have a baby and wake up the next day feeling refreshed and madly in love with their newborn. For thousands of women, this does not happen."

"These new mothers struggle on their own for many, many weeks and months, trying to work out what it is that's wrong with them, that they can't love and care for their baby in the way that they're supposed to.

Activists say post natal depression is a major killer

"It is essential that these women get help and support but, most importantly, they must not feel alone."

Campaign leader Viv Dickenson said: "By raising awareness of the incidence and consequences of post-natal depression on a scale never attempted before we hope to help reduce stigma.

"We also hope to enable families that are affected to seek the support which is available to them."

She continued: "The money raised will enable the project to expand its current service provision and respond to areas where help and support are badly needed, as well as initiate research into post natal depression."